Could They Have Known?

Q

What was the status of the Old Testament as far as being compiled at the time of Christ? Were the 39 books already chosen? Was everyone aware of the prophecies Christ was fulfilling as He was doing them? For instance, Psalm 22, could someone have been watching the crucifixion and had access to that piece of scripture as it was happening?

A

The Old Testament was complete several hundred years before the time of Jesus, and had even been translated into Greek which was the official language of the day.

But that doesn’t mean everyone was aware of the Messianic prophecies contained therein. Just as it is today, many people didn’t study the Bible, and among those who did, most didn’t take it literally. But there is solid evidence that the priests who helped orchestrate the crucifixion knew or should have known what was going on.